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Kelly Zajac signs amateur tryout with Albany

by
Staff Writer
/ New Jersey Devils

The Albany Devils today signed center Kelly Zajac to an amateur tryout agreement. The announcement was made by Albany Devils General Manager Chris Lamoriello. Zajac joins the Devils after completing four seasons with Union College of ECAC Hockey.

During his senior season with the Dutchmen, Zajac served as an assistant captain and set the school record for assists in a single season with 34. Additionally, he finished second on the team with 42 points, including eight goals in 41 games. He was named ECAC Hockey’s Best Defensive Forward and earned all-conference third-team accolades. Union claimed the ECAC Hockey regular season and conference title and advanced to the NCAA Frozen Four for the first time in school history.

For his career, the 5-11, 175-lbs., left-shooting center produced 128 points with 37 goals and 91 assists in 159 games. Zajac ranks second all-time in school history for points, first for assists and first for games played. In 2010-11, he was named Second Team All-ECAC Hockey.

Kelly's older brothers Travis and Darcy are already members of the Devils organzation.

"It's really exciting," Travis said. "He had a great year this year and hopefully he'll continue to have success throughout his career and get better. It's a good organization, I think it's a good fit for him, just the way he plays. He's responsible at both ends of the ice and he definitely fits that team."

But each of the siblings brings something unique to the ice.

""We're all a little different," Travis said. "He's a little smaller, a little quicker, a little shiftier. He's a pass-first guy, he can make plays. Defensively, he's good at anticipating plays, he can read plays. He'll have some success as long as he works hard and tries to get better."

Kelly played two seasons with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks of the BCHL. A native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Zajac was born on June 6, 1988.